The Stewart Story

Family, Friendship and FOCUS

As Featured In The Windsor Connection

Original Article by Lily Rae - Photos by Nicole Gross

Family, Friendship and FOCUS

In Windsor, the Stewart family is known not just for their professional contributions but for the way they live life together with heart, loyalty, and laughter. Affectionately nicknamed the “Stew Crew,” Kara and Chris Stewart, both natives of Sonoma County, along with their children Justin (24) and Genevieve (20), have built a family dynamic rooted in love, resilience, and a genuine joy of simply being together.

Sports and Early Years

Both kids grew up in Windsor, where sports played a big role. Justin played baseball for his high school and club teams, while Genevieve thrived in soccer, playing on both club and school teams. Most notable, her high school team won the pennant. Later, she went on to play for Santa Rosa Junior College, where she served as captain. Those experiences built leadership, discipline, and teamwork that continue to shine through in their adult lives.

Their first work experience was also local. Both Justin and Genevieve started out at KIN Windsor, a restaurant the family fondly calls their very own “Cheers.” To this day, KIN remains a special gathering place filled with memories of both work and play.

Parenthood and Values

The most rewarding part of parenthood has been raising “polite, courteous, old soul children.” Justin and Genevieve are not only accomplished, but people their parents deeply admire. The values that anchor the Stewart household are simple and strong: love, honesty, and aloha. Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. These values guide the family’s relationships with one another and with their community. Their mottos are “never give up” and “leave it better than you found it,” constant reminders of perseverance and responsibility.

Willow and Family Traditions

The Stew Crew’s nightly game of “high low,” where they share the best and hardest part of each day, keeps them grounded and connected. Their beloved Boxer, Willow, is forever part of that story. Boxers, they’ll tell you, are the best, and Willow’s memory is cherished as a reminder of how much dogs teach us about living fully and loving unconditionally.

Family traditions also revolve around the Town Green. The Stew Crew spent summer nights at concerts and movies when Justin and Genevieve were little, and they still frequent the Farmers Market today. Kara’s office sits right on the Green, where she has hosted community events like the annual Candy Crawl and the Winter Wine Walk, deepening the family’s ties to Windsor. The kids also grew up at the Airport Club, a local gym, where they spent many hours in the kids club, another thread in their Windsor upbringing.

And while Windsor will always be home, their hearts also belong to Poipu, Kauai, their favorite vacation spot and a place they dream of owning property someday. “It’s our piece of paradise,” the family says, “and every time we’re there, it feels like coming home.”

Giving Back and Empowering Others

The Stewarts believe in giving back to the community the only way they know how, through education and integrity. In 2017, when wildfires devastated Sonoma County, Kara, who was also licensed in P&C insurance, offered complimentary consultations to review financial plans and homeowners insurance, and created a program to provide free services to first responders.

That commitment to education grew into larger events such as Women Wednesdays, where Kara brought in “wellness warriors” to focus on health and wealth, and Women, Wisdom and Wealth, held at Paradise Ridge Winery, the same venue where Kara and Chris married in 1999. More recently, Kara organized a PALentine event designed for both men and women, offering an inclusive space to explore the essentials of independent holistic planning. This event continued her mission of fostering education and empowerment, bringing together individuals to learn, connect, and grow.

Over her career, Kara has met many women who came to her after losing a spouse to death or divorce, unsure of what they had or what steps to take. Helping people through those vulnerable moments became part of her calling. Her books, The New Holistic Retirement (a collaboration) and Put Power in Your Purse (solely authored), are both reflections of her desire to make financial literacy accessible to everyone.

Looking Ahead

Today, both Justin and Genevieve are stepping into Kara’s world professionally. Genevieve has worked side-by-side with her mom for two years as her right hand in the family firm, and Justin is now joining as well. Kara is in the process of launching Stewart Wealth Advisory Group under the FOCUS umbrella, with the motto: “Holistic Fiduciary Planning From Our Family to Yours.” Justin and Genevieve will serve as Investment Advisor Representatives, continuing the family tradition of service, education, and trust.

Giants Fans, Backyard BBQs and What Matters Most

Of course, the Stew Crew makes plenty of time for fun. They are loyal San Francisco Giants fans, and some of their favorite days are spent at Oracle Park cheering on their team or together on the beach, soaking in the sunshine. At home, they simply enjoy their time together, hanging out in the backyard, barbecuing, and playing games.

Looking back, Kara and Chris say their proudest achievement is not professional, it is personal. “Justin and Genevieve are not only smart and hardworking, but also kind, loyal, and fun. We truly are best friends with them. To us, that’s the real measure of success, raising kids we admire and enjoy spending time with. That’s our greatest accomplishment in life.”

Copyrights 2025+ | Focus Strategic Solutions